why make this recipe
This cake is rich, moist, and easy to make. The Guinness adds deep chocolate notes and keeps the cake soft. It is a simple recipe that makes a special dessert for parties or a quiet night at home.
introduction
Easy Guinness Chocolate Cake is a dark, soft chocolate cake made with stout beer and a light cream cheese whipped frosting. It mixes in one bowl and bakes quickly. If you like trying similar simple bakes, try the delicious banana coffee cake recipe for another easy treat.
how to make Easy Guinness Chocolate Cake
You make the cake batter, bake it, then whip a cream cheese frosting. The stout adds flavor and moisture. Cool the cake before frosting so the frosting does not melt. Use chilled cream for a thicker frosting.
Ingredients :
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ((150 grams))
- 1 cup sugar, granulated ((200 grams))
- 3/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder ((not Dutch-process cocoa))
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 cup Guinness Stout ((can or bottle))
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy / whipping cream, chilled
- 1 Tablespoon Bailey’s Irish cream ((optional))
Directions :
For cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round or square pan and line with parchment.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, warm the Guinness until lukewarm. Stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla.
- Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan 10 minutes, then lift out and cool fully on a rack.
For frosting:
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and beat until combined and smooth.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it makes soft peaks.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently until even. If using Bailey’s, fold it in now.
- Chill the frosting briefly if it is too soft, then spread over the cooled cake.
how to serve Easy Guinness Chocolate Cake
Cut the cake into slices and serve at room temperature. Add a dollop of extra whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa if you like. This cake pairs well with coffee or a small glass of stout.
how to store Easy Guinness Chocolate Cake
Cover the cake and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Easy Guinness Chocolate Cake
- Use natural (not Dutch) cocoa for the best rise.
- Warm the Guinness but do not boil it.
- Do not overmix the batter; mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the bowl and beaters before whipping cream for faster results.
- If frosting is too thin, chill it 15–20 minutes then re-whip gently.
variation (if any)
- Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the wet ingredients for extra depth.
- Swap Bailey’s for a tablespoon of coffee liqueur or omit for a non-alcoholic frosting.
- Make cupcakes instead of a cake; bake 18–22 minutes.
- For a richer cake, use 1/2 cup melted butter instead of vegetable oil.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different beer instead of Guinness?
A: Yes. Use another dark stout for similar flavor. Lighter beer will change the taste.
Q: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
A: You can try dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream for frosting, but results may vary.
Q: Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
A: Sifting helps remove lumps and makes mixing easier, but you can whisk well instead.
Q: Can I make the cake ahead?
A: Yes. Bake the cake a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Frost before serving.
Easy Guinness Chocolate Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist chocolate cake made with Guinness Stout for deep flavor, topped with a light cream cheese whipped frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (150 grams)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 cups Guinness Stout
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream, chilled
- 1 tablespoon Bailey’s Irish cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round or square pan and line with parchment.
- Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Warm the Guinness until lukewarm in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in vegetable oil and vanilla.
- Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool fully on a rack.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth in a bowl.
- Add powdered sugar and beat until combined and smooth.
- Whip the heavy cream in a separate chilled bowl until it makes soft peaks.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently until even. If using Bailey’s, fold it in now.
- Chill the frosting briefly if it is too soft, then spread over the cooled cake.
Notes
Use natural cocoa for best results. Chill bowl and beaters before whipping cream for faster results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
